Teams around the NFL have begun to prioritize making sure they have multiple options at the wide receiver position. Therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise that there are plenty of wide receivers that could burst onto the scene in 2020.
While the league continues to trend toward being a pass-oriented league, more and more wide receivers are being utilized. Just ask the Kansas City Chiefs how valuable it is to have Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman, and Travis Kelce.
There are certain wide receivers that don't need an introduction when their name is mentioned. On the other hand, there are some wide receivers that could cement themselves in the upper-echelon of pass-catchers next season.
Taking that into consideration, here are three wide receivers poised to break out in the 2020 NFL season.
3. Calvin Ridley
The Atlanta Falcons have had one of the most dynamic passing attacks in the NFL over the past 10 years or so. Of course, having a duo of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones has aided in that being possible.
However, in recent years, Calvin Ridley has proven to be a formidable No. 2 wideout for the Falcons. Ridley, Atlanta's first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has put together back-to-back seasons of 60+ receptions and 820+ yards. Additionally, he's combined for 17 touchdowns in his first two seasons.
Injuries prevented Ridley from having a more productive season than he could have in 2019. But with him being healthy, Ridley has a chance to have the first 1,000-yard season of his career in 2020.
2. Terry McLaurin
It was chaos for the Washington Redskins on offense a season ago, with them rotating quarterbacks until Dwayne Haskins finally held onto the position later in the year. Despite the inconsistent play under center, Terry McLaurin was a bright spot for the Redskins.
In his rookie season, Washington's third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft notched 58 receptions, 919 yards, and seven touchdowns. Among rookie wide receivers, Samuel finished second in receptions and yards. At the same time, he accumulated the third-most touchdowns among rookie pass-catchers.
This offseason, the Redskins have seemingly committed to Haskins as their starting quarterback next season. With some continuity at quarterback, McLaurin has a chance to have a remarkable sophomore campaign in the nation's capital.
1. Deebo Samuel
The San Francisco 49ers saw a massive improvement on the offensive side of the ball due to Jimmy Garoppolo starting in all 16 games. It also didn't hurt to have Deebo Samuel step up in his rookie season the way he did.
Seeing that he thrives with the ball in his hands, Kyle Shanahan found a variety of ways to get Samuel involved in the offense. Altogether, the rookie receiver for the 49ers hauled in 57 passes for 802 yards and three touchdowns. Besides his receiving numbers, Samuel also contributed 159 yards and three scores on the ground.
Heading into his second season, Samuel is gearing up to be the No. 1 wide receiver for San Francisco. In light of that, Samuel is primed to have a season that surmounts what he accomplished in 2019.
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